According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 24.6 and 36 million people globally have been diagnosed with an addiction to prescription painkillers. If you are still taking medication, and you are no longer experiencing any pain, there is a high probability that you have developed an addiction. Many people are prescribed painkillers after an injury or surgery. Some of these drugs are very powerful, and it can be easy to develop a dependency. Painkiller addiction affects all levels of society, from the highest to the lowest classes. It is essential that you gain a full understanding of the nature of your addiction so that you can get the help that you need as quickly as possible. Even if you take only the prescribed dosage, you can still develop a physical or psychological dependency. Psychological Dependency: Your mind believes that the body is going to be in pain at some point. Subconsciously you are preparing for the pain that probably isn’t going to happen, but you take the medication just in case. Physical Dependency: A physical addiction is when the body has adapted to the physiological changes that the pain medication has caused, and is now dependent on the drug to function.

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms: There are two phases to opioid withdrawal. The first phase includes several symptoms such as: Low energy Excessive yawning Sleeplessness Excessive sweating Runny nose Tearing eyes Agitation Anxiety Restlessness Muscle aches The second phase is characterized by: Goose bumps Rapid heartbeat Dilated pupils Vomiting and nausea Abdominal cramps Diarrhoea These initial phases can last between one week to one month. They are often followed by long-term withdrawal symptoms, which involve behavioral and emotional issues. The majority of addicts are unable to walk away from their addiction after detox. Doctors will often prescribe a substitute medication that has a similar effect as an addictive drug. These medications are responsible for addressing relapses and cravings. Doctors will gradually reduce your dosage over time, and take you off it completely when you feel you are ready. These medications are typically prescribed for treatment periods of longer than 6 months.  Here are some medications that your doctor is likely to prescribe to assist in the withdrawal process- Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is responsible for occupying the opiate nerve receptors that opioids attach themselves to. It deceives the brain into believing that it is getting the dose of opioid that it is used to.

How to Identify painkiller addiction: Opioid based painkillers such as OxyContin, Morphin, and Vicodin are highly addictive. The opium plant produces opioids and they are the basis for a number of illegal drugs such as heroin. High doses over a short period of time, as well as long term use, can both cause dependency. To determine whether or not you are addicted, you will need to ask yourself the following questions: “Am I still in any pain that requires me to take painkillers? Or am I taking them because I think I might need them?” “Do I get nausea, headaches, chills or the shakes when I haven’t taken any medication?” “Am I taking higher doses because it makes me feel good?” Treatment Options: The good news is that you can be free from the debilitating effects of painkiller addiction. Your doctor will determine the best treatment plan for you. The good news is that you can be free from the debilitating effects of painkiller addiction. Your doctor will determine the best treatment plan for you. Counselling: Counselling falls under the term “talking therapies.” It allows people to talk about their difficult feelings and problems in a confidential and safe environment.

There are several side effects associated with painkiller addiction, and none of them is pleasant. Here are some of them: Intestines and Stomach: At a normal dosage, opiates cause constipation. However, when painkillers are abused the digestive system can become so damaged that having a bowel movement is impossible without using laxatives. This condition is referred to as “narcotic bowel syndrome.” Symptoms include constipation, abdominal distension, vomiting, bloating and nausea. Liver: The liver breaks down and processes all drugs. When painkillers are abused, the liver is overworked and stores additional toxins due to the breakdown process. The majority of liver damage is caused by acetaminophen which is one of the chemicals in several prescription painkillers. Common drugs such as Percocet, Lortab and Vicodin contain a high dosage of acetaminophen. The end result can be liver failure. Kidneys: Excessive use of painkillers can severely damage the kidneys leading to a kidney transplant or dialysis treatment. Again, it is the high dosage of acetaminophen that causes the damage, and not the opiates. Respiratory Depression: This is one of the most serious risks associated with opioid addiction. When addicts take high dosages, breathing can slow down to such an extent that the lungs cannot expand fully.